American Traditional - Old school tattoo style
The traditional style of tattooing as we know it today began to appear on the bodies of sailors in the 18th-20th centuries. An expression of the art of tattooing quickly spread throughout the world, becoming one of the largest mass art movements in history. These early tattoos were often crudely made with homemade needles and ink, and were often seen as signs of rebellion or defiance. Sailors tattooed themselves with iconic symbols such as anchors, skulls, swallows and snakes, which they believed would protect them from dangers at sea.
Only in the mid-1900s does tattooing become more popular among a wider p a r t of society. A m e r i c a n s b e g a n to experiment m o r e with this art form. Began to appear new tattoo styles and motifs, among which, the American traditional style, that we all know and love today. In American culture in the 1930s, they symbolized the rejection of the American Dream and represented a life lived outside the boundaries of mainstream society.
It is worth noting that the American style was found not only in the United States, with the constant travels of sailors and artists, the style expanded also into Great Britain, Germany, Holland, Hawaii. Historically, the first tattoo club was established in England, and it was these tattoos that first earned the name Old School.
Pin-up girls represent the ideal and extremes of femininity - from virginal perfection to a bewitching temptation, without these classic, old-school tattoos aren't imaginable :)
Of course, the emergence of the electric tattoo machine at the end of the 19th century created a revolution in tattooing. Electric tattoo machine invented by Samuel O'Reilly, in 1891.
Sam took Thomas Edison's electric pen and modified it to create a precursor for devices, which are now used worldwide.
I.n.t.e.r.e.s.t.i.n.g. - Charlie Wagner (1875-1953) with the sobriquet "Michelangelo of Tattooing", which is one of the greatest American tattooing legends, while working on Bowery Manhattan down part, Wagner took over the shop space at 11 Chatham Square, which has been taken over by his teacher Samuel O'Reilly. Actually, Charlie Wagner indeed continued O'Reilly's work in several ways; If Samuel O'Reilly patented the first tattoo machine in 1891, Wagner improved and perfected the design and in 1904 received his patent. In fact, most machines produced today are based on Wagner's designs.
I.n.t.e.r.e.s.t.i.n.g. - In 1905, Lou Albert, also known by the nickname Lou the Jew, "sold to purchase the first commercial tattoo sheets and flash sheets. The demand according to new designs and for fresh ideas exceeded supply.
In Albert Parry's book Tattoo: Secrets of a Strange Art, what in 1933 was published by Simon and Schuster, the tattoo artists of that time were so much overwhelmed with requests, that they were struggling to keep up with the demand for new designs. However, the flash exchange at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, that mostly distributed with other goods, using mail order catalogs, helped artists keep up with novelties in increasing tattoo market.
Y.o.u. K.n.e.w. ……. ?
Bert Grimm (1900–1985). Started his career in St. Louis and then moved to Long Beach, California to establish a store Nu-Pike. Is considered, that his tattoo parlor is the oldest continuously operating one in the continental USA. Grimm sold the store to Bob Shaw in 1970.
Do not mention American traditional style father and tattoo legend Norman Collins would be at the smallest extent neglectful :)
An American, Norman Keith Collins, also known as Sailor Jerry, is considered the founder of the old school tattoo style. Navy soldier who learned the art of tattooing in missions in Southeast Asia and settled down for life in Hawaii after his naval career. Honolulu became a destination for soldiers who are departing from the shore, Sailor Jerry built his reputation on their hands, backs and shoulders. Here, his bold iconography and bright colors changed the tattoo world forever. Out of pure creative ambition, Sailor Jerry developed a new way of tattooing. Ironically, that the new style he tattooed on the men fighting in the war, was largely influenced by the same culture, that had started it.
As one of the first Westerners to learn from the great Japanese tattoo masters, he built upon the ancient Japanese techniques he had mastered. Norman Collins combined them with his American sensibility and bravura. Fully versed in creative techniques, he perfected his style in that way, which we respect today as the American traditional style.
Traditional tattoos have always been popular, and there is a reason of one's own for that. The traditional style of tattooing over time has evolved naturally, while holding to its roots. A tattoo is meant to be on you forever, so it's no wonder that pioneering artists used symbolism as the basis of their designs with strong symbolic value.
When it comes to the actual visual style of traditional tattooing, clean, bold black outlines and the use of solid pigment has a rational application. In basis the black outlines were a technique, taken from tried-and-true methods, that was used by tribal tattoo creators, belonging to both Polynesian and Native American peoples. For centuries, this carbon-based ink has aged incredibly well, excellently preserving the original form of the design.
Old school tattoos don't have a color division black and white or colored here it's not about the color here. Range of colored pigments were related to what was available when tattoo ink had not yet reached its present quality and technological advancement, due to lack of availability and demand, the only colors available were mainly red, yellow and green - or ketchup, mustard flavor and green leaf - as some old schoolers would say :)
American traditional tattoo style is one of the most popular tattoo styles, although all traditional style designs are based on 2D drawing, without bright shading gradations and plane, that initially looks simple. Give it a try to draw it by hand yourself ! You will be surprised how many nuances and elements these drawings actually contain. In addition, since American traditional tattoos have existed long enough as an independent style, they also have many rules and norms that an artist working in this technique must follow, while developing it. It's really not as easy as it looks - try it :)
U n c h a n g i n g m e t h o d American traditional tattoos, both Japanese traditional tattoos use color blocking as a distinguishing feature. Ink and colors intensive use allows you to create a tattoo, that p o p s u p a n d a t t r a c t s attention.
In both styles, is used fatty bold lines and contours, so that colors block areas with distinctive precision and distinction.
Old School tattoos serve as visual narratives that tell stories, carry traditions and connect people to their history. They have a sense of authenticity and cultural significance that resonates with tattoo enthusiasts, whether they are attracted by historical roots, symbolism or aesthetic appeal. These tattoos embody a timeless art form that serves as a living testament to the power of ink to capture the essence of identity, heritage and personal expression.
A good artist of the American traditional school must not only have technical knowledge, but also understand the history and essence of Old School tattoos, ensuring that they can bring your vision to life in a way that honors tradition and attracts eyes without abandoning in the boundaries of their school. Traditional tattoos stand out for their bold aesthetics, classic iconography and traditional symbolism.
Conversely, New School and Neo Traditional styles are characterized by exaggerated proportions, dynamic colors and a more modern aesthetic that offer greater artistic expression and a fusion of techniques and motifs, in which the influence of the old school can be seen.
The journey of tattooing from ship hulls to the modern tattoo styles and studios as we know them today has been long enough, but You have to agree, without the American traditional tattoo school, it would not be imaginable.
These tattoos have deep meaning and symbolism, often reflecting personal stories, beliefs and values. They have become iconic symbols of American identity and have influenced tattooing styles all over the world.
Part art movement, part social phenomenon, the United States have succeeded in creating a tattoo style, which is a peculiar and truly important aspect of American art and culture today.
P.S.
Today, tattoo styles variety gives artists the opportunity to choose, highlight line and drawing, to grant value geometric patterns or to cover large areas of skin with solid black. Tattoo industry marks new contour cultures on a daily basis, which are becoming increasingly popular with each passing day, but ……. :)
Old school tattoo is more than just a style; it is a living testament to the resilience of human creativity and the enduring power of art, that shape our lives and community value.